We had the good fortune of connecting with Mpho Vackier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mpho, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The decision to work the way we do stems from necessity to create products that are a conversation between design, manufacturing & craft. This begins from the materials we use to the people we collaborate with. The brand sources our raw materials and skills locally. Through this, a community of support is created; purchasing a piece from TheUrbanative means supporting the local suppliers and producers. In addition collaborations with craftspeople enable our team to learn new techniques and build relationships with other talented artists. Another aspect of conscious creation that TheUrbanative follows is recycling. All wood shavings from furniture production are sold to a local briquette-maker, whilst we are constantly thinking how certain waste timber or steel can be reimagined as new products. Being community-driven impacts every decision with each furniture collection creation. Starting with research about where materials can be sourced
closest, and who to collaborate with. Although this isn’t easy, it’s worthwhile to see the community being built by empowering each other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started TheUrbanative initially for my son, to relay the stories of his African heritage that may not have been documented alongside his European roots in the form of pieces that juxtapose the two. The furniture pieces became vessels used to tell certain stories from various African tribes. This began TheUrbanative mission – to tell the stories of the moment and lend their voices to stories that may have otherwise been unknown. For example, a few pieces from the Home Collection drew inspiration from tribes within the African continent. By doing this, TheUrbanative aims to connect with people through their storytelling in the form of functional pieces of furniture; so that when a piece is purchased, you’re not only buying furniture, you’re getting access to something much deeper.

Our mission statement is that we are not just furniture, but by imbuing our pieces with stories, be they cultural/historical, and integrating education with design. We aim to engage everyone who comes in contact with the furniture to connect with the
much-needed documentation of African history in all aspects and referencing various elements and aspects of African culture and history.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Circa Gallery: Absolutely gorgeous architecture and art Nirox Sculpture Park: Great art and vibe
Parkhurst: 4th Avenue: Great shopping and food
44 Stanley-Great restaurants , local brands and over ambience is great for a day out
Kleine Rijke for great view of the dam, food and local shopping
Soko district for great local brand shopping and we have a store there too 🙂
A street bar named desire: great sundowner spot
Saigon Suzy: great karaoke
Soweto tower: extreme sports and great food
Apartheid Museum: education
Cradle of humankind
Fourways farmers market
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Umami food studio
Irene farm : great picnic spot
Hiking the Magaliesberg mountains at Milorho provides breathtaking views.
Maboneng Precinct: Great day out of art, shopping, galleries and food

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think the growth of TheUrbanative belongs to so many of our clients, supports, contractors, suppliers and my team. There are too numerous to mention but one of the brands that can be credited to our continuous growth year on year is the Nandos group and their designers, their continued support has allowed us to reach markets we would normally be able to reach and their belief in what we do is humbling.

Website: www.theurbanative.com

Instagram: theurbanative

Twitter: theurbanative

Facebook: theurbanative

Other: tiktok: theurbanative

Image Credits
Homecoming collection: Aart Verrips Outdoor Collection & Nenzima Blanket: Lené Magro Walters Nike Shape Soweto: Courtesy FUTURA Nando’s Woodmore Towne Centre-Stre Studio, Nandos USA & Greg Powers

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.